Abstract: An endoscopic includes a handle, a tubular member, a control member, and an end effector assembly. The handle has a stationary member and a movable member. The movable member includes a constrained curved path for passage of the control member. The tubular member has an end coupled to the stationary member and a distal end rotatably coupled to the end effector assembly. The control member extends through the curved path, the tubular member, and is coupled to the end effector assembly. A knob is attached to the movable member and control member. Displacement of the movable member relative to the stationary member causes actuation of the end effector assembly, and rotation of the knob on the movable member causes the control member to rotate within both the constrained curved path and the tubular member, and results in rotation of the end effector assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic includes a handle, a tubular member, a control member, and an end effector assembly. The handle has a stationary member and a movable member. The movable member includes a constrained curved path for passage of the control member. The tubular member has an end coupled to the stationary member and a distal end rotatably coupled to the end effector assembly. The control member extends through the curved path, the tubular member, and is coupled to the end effector assembly. A knob is attached to the movable member and control member. Displacement of the movable member relative to the stationary member causes actuation of the end effector assembly, and rotation of the knob on the movable member causes the control member to rotate within both the constrained curved path and the tubular member, and results in rotation of the end effector assembly.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a control wire having a push rod at its distal end and an end effector assembly having first and second effector elements such as scissors blades mounted on a clevis. The effector elements are operated by a cam-pin on the push rod riding in cam-slots defined in the effector elements. According to one aspect of the invention, the effector elements are symmetrically opened even when the push rod is canted relative to the clevis. According to another aspect of the invention, the effector elements can be rotated into a closed configuration that minimizes the distal dimension across the effector elements. In addition, the effector elements, when in the closed configuration, can rotate together to facilitate insertion of the end effector into an entry portion of an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes an elongate hollow member, an actuator that moves axially through the hollow member, and first and second end effectors with respective tissue engaging edges. At least one of the end effectors is rotatably coupled to the hollow member adjacent its distal end. At least one of the end effectors includes a base supporting a resilient leaf-spring portion that includes a respective cutting edge. The resilient leaf-spring portion extends from the base in a cantilevered arrangement and generates a spring force acting on the respective cutting edge such that in a loaded state there is an automatic preload force imparted between the cutting edges of the end effectors to maintain a consistent and continuous mating force between the two opposed tissue engaging edges preferably over the complete range of rotational movement of the end effectors.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second scissors blades mounted on the clevis. Laterally offset from the cutting edges a tissue stop is provided on each tissue receiving surface to hold and/or put traction on tissue. The tissue stop may include tenaculum or saw-like projections.